Best of 2005!
by Todd Comer

The number of events this year diminished, but the quality didn't suffer in the least and the talent that came through the MidWest was amazing at times. Here's a breakdown of the best events that we witnessed in 2005!

After you're done reading, drop in on the gallery to check out the photos from these events!

Best Overall World Electronic Music Festival July 8 - July 10, 2005 Orangeville Fairgrounds Orangeville, Ontario Canada

Mid-July is probably the best time to be in Canada and if you want to party with some of the biggest names in the industry, WEMF is the place to be. Talent from all levels and all over the globe make this one truly spectacular event. We were proud to be a media sponsor for this truly massive event and look forward to returning in '06.

---

Best in the US Ultra Music Festival 7 March 6, 2005 Bayfront Park Miami, FL

Ultra is always a good party and this year was no different. It's kind of like the inverse to Canada in mid-July. Miami in March is beautiful and a party at BayFront Park makes the day even better, with stages in every direction and a massive collection of local, regional, national and international talent at every turn.

---

MidWest's Best MidWest Freakfest: Underground Sound June 17 - June 19, 2005 Shawnee Saltpeter Cave Murphysboro, IL

Taking the MidWest by storm, Disco Productions steamed up the river from New Orleans to give a us some of the best in regional and national talent, tucked away in the woods of southern Illinois! Production Groups from all over the MidWest came together as one, putting up stages and helping in the preparations of what was to be one good and long weekend.

---

Kansas City's Best Chaos Theory v3.0: The Catalyst July 29, 2005 The Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO

The third installment of the Chaos Theory series of events came a little late this year, but with no less punch than it's predecessors. With 3 floors of talent, some of which had never been seen in Kansas City, it definitely ranked as the biggest party Kansas City would see all year.

Best Monday NIght
BLO! @ The Empire Room
Kansas City, MO If you wanna dance, it's the only place to go on a Monday night. Though in the last year, they have played progressively more and more HipHop, DJ Two Heavy still manages to slip in some House here and there.

Best Tuesday Night
PHATuesdays @ Balanca's
Yea, I'm picking our own night. It's a turned into a cool little night. DJ Fool, recently moved from Lincoln, NE heads up the night, and DJ OE closes it out. In addition, it is the only night in Kansas City with open decks for all those aspiring to play outside of their bedroom a little more regularly. Be sure to bring your own needles and records. They also have a pool table, darts, and food til 2 am.

Best Wednesday Night
The Wednesday Perk @ The Cup & Saucer
This little spot continues to be the best place to see EDM talent up close and personal in Kansas City and is still going strong after nearly 4 years.

Best Friday Night
Green @ Jilly's on Broadway
Hosted by the DJ duo, Jack & Jill. is definitely the hot spot for local house talent on Friday nights in Kansas City.

Best Saturday Night
u:Move Saturdays @ Kabal Restaurant & Nightclub
This is still hands down the best dine & dance experience in Kansas City. Nearly every Friday and Saturday features regional, national and internationally known talent in House & Trance.

Best Sunday Night
DJ Two Heavy @ The Point
I have only had an opportunity to visit once or twice, but it was really cool little gig and is still going strong.

Overall, I think probably one of the best things I discovered in KC this year was The Donkey Show. First, in early February, I got a small taste of it at The Fahrenheit and kept meaning to come back and catch the whole act. It was finally near the end of December that I got the chance to catch up to it again (they had held 3 other events in the meantime) Donkey Show 10 is definitely a great little variety show, well worth the time and money. It's always a good time and there's always a little something for everyone in it. Be sure to check it out some time!